Adding light through love
I think it’s time for some hard questions about the things plaguing our country. As Christ Followers it is our privilege to represent Jesus here on earth. How are we doing with that?
The church, {and when I say church I mean you and me as followers of Jesus}, was established by Jesus to bring Good news to the inhabitants of earth. We are called to share the message of Jesus who came to rescue us from eternity in hell and provide salvation and redemption and restoration of our lives. This Good News is to flow so vibrantly through our lives that it should pour out to all those around us and be a blessing to them, whether they believe in Jesus or not.
We have a problem, the church is not doing its job on a large scale in this country. I have a responsibility to love my neighbor, no matter who that is, regardless of what clan of Noah they come from. You have that same responsibility. We cannot solve the hurt and hopelessness by ourselves. But God never intended for us to do it alone. He said he would never leave us or forsake us, but to be strong and courageous.
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT)
Here’s a few of the hard questions to ask yourself.
Why did God place me here on this earth, living where I live, doing the work that I do, with the people I do it with?
What gifts talents and abilities have I been given that are helpful in ministering to my neighbor?
What am I doing now, to minister to the least of these in unison with the Spirit of God?
The solution to the unrest in this country is not political and it is not a government program. Jesus presented the solution, it is us. His church. We are to be a light in the darkness. You are part of the solution. Guilt is not the driver but Love. Let us love one another and ask God to be your guide.
Last year we shared a timeless conversation with our friend LEGIN about reconciliation and hope. We had an honest conversation with a few quotes like:
“The Gospel never works by ignoring the sin issue”
“Let’s talk: we have the only answer but most times we’ve removed ourselves from the conversation”
“There is HOPE for reconciliation with God and man”
(take a little time to listen to this conversation and then pray about the answers to the questions above as we each do our part)
Jim
About the Author, Jim Brangenberg
Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!